Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) consists of several funding programs designed to help Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) improve access to health care in their respective communities. The national CHAP provides a network of health aides training to support licensed health professionals while providing direct health care, health promotion, and disease prevention services. These providers work within a referral relationship under the supervision of licensed clinical providers that includes clinics, service units, and hospitals. The CHAP will increase access to direct health services, including inpatient and outpatient visits. The Tribal Assessment and Planning program is designed to support the assessment and planning of Tribes and Tribal Organizations is determining the feasibility of implementing the CHAP in their respective communities. The Tribal Planning and Implementation program is designed to support the final planning and implementation of Tribes and Tribal Organizations that are positioned to begin operating a CHAP.

Federally-recognized Indian Tribes as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(14), and Tribal organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26) may apply for this program. "Indian Tribe" means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq). "Tribal organization" means the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe, any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: provided that, in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.

The selection criteria are: Statement of problem(s) requiring solution; need for assistance; results or benefits expected from the project; approach or soundness of the applicant's plan for conducting the project; key personnel and their capability to carry out the project; and adequacy of management controls. Consideration will be given to the demonstrative aspects of the project and the compatibility of the project with the overall goals and objectives of the Indian Health Service.